Description
A vibrant and comforting Lemon Chicken Orzo recipe featuring juicy pan-seared chicken breasts, tender orzo pasta cooked in flavorful chicken broth, fresh spinach, and a bright splash of lemon juice. This easy one-pot dish is finished with fresh parsley for a refreshing, wholesome meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 grams)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
Pasta and Broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta (about 200 grams)
- 4 cups chicken broth (about 950 ml)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (about 60 grams)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (60 ml)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (about 15 grams)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove from the pot and let it rest while you prepare the orzo.
- Sauté Garlic and Boil Broth: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Lemon and Spinach: Stir in the lemon juice and fresh spinach once the orzo is almost cooked. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts completely and incorporates well into the mixture.
- Combine Chicken and Orzo: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, then fold them into the orzo and spinach mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Serve: Serve the lemon chicken orzo warm, garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Resting the chicken after searing allows juices to redistribute, making it more tender and juicy.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice or quinoa.
- Adjust the lemon juice quantity based on your preferred level of acidity and brightness.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
